Winter Dinghy Sailing – How to Stay Warm and Dry
Winter on the Thames can be glorious: low sunshine glinting off the water, quiet reaches, and the satisfying feeling that you are one of the hardy few who sail all year. It can also be bitterly cold, wet, and thoroughly miserable if you are unprepared. Staying warm and dry is not luck; it is planning.
Layering Matters
Start with a proper thermal base layer that wicks moisture away. Add a mid-layer for insulation, and top it with a windproof and waterproof outer layer. Cotton is the enemy in winter; once it is wet, it stays wet. Technical fabrics win every time.
Hands, Feet, and Head
Extremities suffer first. Sailing gloves with thermal liners help keep some feeling in your fingers for rigging and sheeting. Neoprene boots with thick socks (wool or synthetic) make a huge difference. A fleece-lined beanie or neoprene cap under the helmet or hood is essential, especially when the wind cuts across the river.
Spray Tops and Dry Gear
A good spray top or dry smock is worth its weight in gold. If you regularly find yourself inverted during practice sessions, consider a full drysuit. They are not cheap, but they prevent that creeping cold that starts at your ankles and spreads upwards after every capsize.
Stay Ahead of the Cold
The cold creeps in when you stop moving. Before launching, adjust your clothing, tighten wrist and neck seals, and check for gaps. Have a plan: what will you do if you end up in the water? How long will you be out? Knowing this helps you choose the right kit.
Safety Boat Awareness
Winter safety boat cover is more than a formality. Hypothermia sets in quickly in cold water. Make sure someone ashore knows you are out, check radios, and keep to areas where safety boats can reach you promptly.
Hot Drinks and Dry Bags
A flask onshore is excellent motivation, and a dry bag with spare gloves and a warm layer can rescue a session. If you sail with a camera boat or electric Whaly, stash your dry bag where you can get to it.
Know When Not to Sail
Sometimes it is simply too cold, too windy, or the river is too high and fast. Part of winter seamanship is recognising when to call it a day before you even rig the boat.
Winter sailing can be some of the most rewarding on the Thames. With the right kit, preparation, and a bit of realism, you can enjoy crisp, quiet days on the water while staying warm, safe, and perfectly dry.
| Feature | Wetsuit | Drysuit |
|---|---|---|
| Warmth mechanism | Traps a thin layer of water against the body, which your body heat warms up. | Creates a watertight seal to keep you completely dry, with insulation provided by layers worn underneath. |
| Best for | Mildly cold days where partial or temporary immersion is likely. | Extremely cold winter conditions, below 60°F (15°C) water temperature. |
| Layers | A thin, moisture-wicking base layer can be worn underneath. | Allows for multiple layers of thermal clothing, adapting to different temperatures. |
| Flexibility | Provides good flexibility for dinghy sailing, especially thinner suits. | Offers greater freedom of movement than a thick wetsuit. |
| Downsides | Significantly restricts movement in thicker versions required for colder temperatures. | Expensive, requires careful maintenance of seals and zippers, and is useless if a leak occurs. |
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